Comparing Car Wash Equipment Suppliers

Outfitting your new car wash or expanding your current operations is an exciting step, but it comes with a few tough choices to make. One of the most important elements to consider is which supplier you will get your commercial equipment from. While you're never bound to a single manufacturer, it's good to be strategic about your options and pick a company with which you can build a strong relationship moving forward.

Top Car Wash Equipment Suppliers

You generally can't rent car wash equipment, which means you should take the time to carefully consider your options before making an investment. These businesses are a good place to start because they're all big players in the industry, and each has something unique to offer.

D&S Car Wash Supply

D&S Car Wash Supply, started in 1972, reports being the first company to use a fully welded, stainless steel vacuum in the industry, as well as the pioneer for solid-state timer integration. It's headquartered in High Ridge, Missouri, and offers national and international distribution. In 2024, the brand acquired WashCard Systems, Inc., which provides payment hardware and software specific to the car wash industry. D&S is affiliated with various industry and trade organizations, including regional car wash associations and the International Car Wash Association (ICA) Champions Council. All products are backed by the company's “right the first time” quality assurance standard. Main equipment offerings include:

• Soft-touch and touch-free automatic wash systems.
• Configurable bay systems for large vehicle bays.
• Compact, tankless self-serve systems with high- and low-pressure options.
• A comprehensive selection of in-bay self-serve equipment and accessories.
• Dryer and spot-free rinse systems.
• Water treatment systems.
• Entry and exit equipment like signs, structures and payment systems.

Customers get access to technical assistance and a full library of reference material that covers everything from technical data to in-depth equipment support. D&S is also a car wash parts supplier.

AVW Equipment

AVW Equipment began as a family-owned car wash equipment repair business and has since grown into an international independent equipment manufacturer with distributors across Europe and the United States. It has thousands of car wash installations worldwide. One of the company's big selling points is its dedication to pairing simple, high-quality designs with customization options. This includes modifying its existing components or designing something entirely yours to fit your project's exact specifications. AVW Equipment's extensive range of products includes:

• Compact, midsize and full-size tunnel systems.
• Dual, single and custom-width belt conveyors.
• Applicators and arches.
• Vacuums and vacuum systems.
• Dryer systems.
• Entry and exit equipment.
• High-pressure blasters.
• Side and top washers.
• Wrap combinations.

AVW provides full life cycle partnership, starting with pre-purchase site layout consultations and startup assistance through equipment quotes, site planning and engineering support. Post-purchase perks include training, tech support and online parts inventory with same-day and next-day delivery.

AUTEC

ACUTEC, founded in 1981, has more than 5,000 global partners. The business is headquartered in Statesville, North Carolina, and offers three different wash systems, each fully automatic — soft-touch, touch-free and combination. It also manufactures soft-touch polisher equipment. Notable product specs include:

• 100% stainless steel construction.
• “Mirror-saving” design that curves around vehicles for optimal visibility in the bay.
• Fully supported full-height arms with steady rotation.
• Dual-cloth mitters for a gentle shine.
• Low-maintenance construction without belts, chains or gears.

AUTEC provides a site analysis and site-specific drawings for each project if requested. After-purchase services include AUTEC-provided, customized maintenance programs for routine upkeep and technicians available for general and technical calls and emergency servicing. You can also enroll in the AUTEC Service Technician Certification program, a three-day course that teaches everything you or your team needs to know to perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.

How to Choose the Right Supplier

If you are or will be a car wash owner, it's important to choose equipment and supplies providers that have a history in the industry. For example, JBS Industries is a chemical cleaner supplier that began in 1979, backed by professionals who owned and operated car washes for more than a decade. This level of experience and insight into the industry's trends and fluctuations is a priceless commodity for new and established owners. Other essential factors to consider include:

• Costs and financing: Compare the cost of each piece or system across suppliers, including how much is due upfront and if any payment plans or financing are available. If you're running a large-scale operation, you should also ask each business about wholesale discounts or extra benefits if you purchase a whole outfit instead of just a single unit. Inquire about each piece of equipment's expected lifespan to get a better idea of future repair and replacement expenses.
• Equipment range: If you're equipping a multibay car wash from the ground up, choose a supplier that offers everything you need. This will simplify maintenance and troubleshooting and help you establish a stronger working relationship with the manufacturer. If you're just adding a single car wash stall or unit to an existing business, like a dealership or fuel center, look for suppliers with diverse, compact options and a broader industry scope.
• Support and training: Ask each supplier what is included in their post-purchase support. This includes equipment-specific maintenance and training, access to learning resources and product manuals, technician availability for regular and emergency assistance, and warranty programs. Note whether you can purchase individual replacement parts and how long delivery will take.
• Custom packages: The ability to customize equipment pieces and whole-system packages is ideal, especially if you have unique space requirements or a challenging site layout.
• Reviews and testimonials: Always check the manufacturer's website for reviews and testimonials as well as third-party sources like industry publications, regional car wash associations and consumer reports.
• Projected lead times: Note the projected lead time for each potential supplier, including a timeline that begins when you place your order, through manufacturing and delivery, and ends with site installation.
• Available features: Certain features may make you more competitive or efficient, depending on your customer base and overall operations. For example, water treatment systems can help minimize water waste and costs while appealing to eco-minded clientele. Keep a pulse on the latest industry trends and available technologies, and choose a supplier who does the same. Automated, contactless equipment, high-speed cleaning systems and water-saving technologies are the top car wash equipment trends to watch.

Supply Your Car Wash With Chemicals from JBS Industries

Choosing the best car wash equipment manufacturer is paramount to your business's success. Equally important is partnering with an experienced, industry-leading chemical supplier. JBS Industries is a one-stop shop for cleaning agents. We have the chemical solutions you need to provide thorough, consistent car wash services, including:

• Presoaks.
• Detergents.
• Protectants.
• Ceramics.
• Drying agents.
• Hyper-concentrates.
• Wheel and tire cleaners.
• Triple wash foams.
• Specialty products, such as bug remover and bay wall cleaner.

Because every business is unique, we will also work with you to develop custom product formulations so you get exactly what you need to help your car wash thrive. Learn more about our commitment to quality, and explore more helpful industry resources on our blog.

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